Jericho (2016) – ITV’s Lush & Romantic, Western Period Drama

October 05, 2016

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ITV’s drama, Jericho had
something special in its DNA. What this is I cannot place, but it’s there.

Jericho introduces us to Annie
Quaintain (Jessica Raine). A widow with two children – George and Martha, Annie
is forced to uproot her children after her husband’s death. The only home
they’ve known has been a good one. The children had proper schooling and a respectable
life. But now Annie is forced to sell their household belongings to satisfy
debts. This leaves them without friends or money. On the road to Jericho, the
shantytown Annie hopes to find work in, they meet Johnny Jackson (Hans
Matheson).

Johnny isn’t like the rest of the “navvys” working the
quarry and building the railway line. He’s a gentleman and it shows which earns
him the nickname “prince.” When Johnny becomes one of Annie’s first lodgers, a
tragedy entwines their lives, forever changing them all.

The primary story is that of Johnny and Annie, but also
a factor is the coinciding arrival of Mr. Coates (Clark Peters). An
American railway man with years of experience, Mr. Coates is a complex
character. For me, he’s one of those characters I love to detest. He’s a
patient sort of person who bides his time, but you never completely trust.
Hidden beneath that façade is a mysterious man with a painful past. It was his
double-dealing and dishonesty that ultimately put him on my villain’s list.
That said, he’s a good one who, because of his painstaking schemes, is more
frightening than I’ anticipated. Of course, the rest of the characters
make up for this.

I grew to love (nearly) everyone in this community and
the relationships it fosters. The importance of the relationship between George
and his mother is compelling as is the romance between Annie and Johnny. Here
is a romance I adore no matter the aspect (whether big or small) of their
relationship. The chemistry between them might not be full of explosive scenes,
but there is an unexplained “pull” I felt every time they share screen time. It
was electric. I could go on, but I won’t. Also, an interesting formation
was the Blackwood family. Jessica, who fans will recognize from Call the Midwife, leads a talented cast, all of whom
play their roles to perfection.

As every British period drama is inclined towards
superiority, this one is no exception to this rule. The setting differs from
the more refined dramas we’re used to, but it’s no less beautiful even in its
stark landscapes. A similar case can be made for the costuming, the sets and
every piece of the puzzle that brings it together. The script impresses
with exception to episode seven which stalls in its pursuit of solving a
story thread; the impact is lessened as it circles the same information.
Beyond this, I have nothing but admiration and praise for this series.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t renewed for a second series.
This means that there are some things left unsatisfied by series end. One
involves the fate of a character, and another the future of a romance. In my
mind, I’ve written how the series ends, and it’s with a smile. I choose to
believe the romance ends with this character revisiting her rejection
(a character I won’t name because, spoilers). (If
the emotion flickering across this character’s face is an indication, I see
this as being the writer’s intentions.) It broke my heart a little bit not to
see one romance resolved, but I understand the writer’s had hopes of a
follow-up.

If you like period drama heavy on romance that
combines elements of mystery and secrets (didn’t see some of these
coming!), then Jericho is worth emotionally
investing in. The end fulfills enough answers so as not to sway us to write if
off before giving it a chance, and the superb reputation of ITV dramas is
incentive alone.

Have you seen Jericho? Did you
like the romance or the characters? What was your favorite story? Sound off
below with your thoughts! I’d love to read them.

Content Note: There two
implied sensual scenes (neither one goes beyond the unbuttoning of a shirt, and
a scene showing them redress). Multiple scenes (non-graphic) take place in a
brothel. There is some violence including a man’s throat being slit and
explosions. The series is rated TV-14.

4 comments:

Thanks for sharing. I have to say that I have not seen this show, but it seems intriguing. I don't know if it would be perfect match for me or not though. I don't watch much period drama. Sorry to hear it's not been renewed though and there is some plot lines left hanging. I hate when that happens!

Yesssss! I love this series! I haven't had the chance to watch the last few episodes yet, but plan to catch up soon. I hate that is has been canceled, though. You're right. It always seems like favorite shows get the ax just as they make us want more. WHY?! Ha ha!

HI RENEE! So glad to see you over here, friend. :) I'm glad you too loved this series. Isn't it wonderful!? I'm quite the fangirl over the romance and in general, the setting. Hope you enjoy the rest! :)

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